高考

• 拼音: gāo kǎo
• 汉字拆解: 高 = high (referring to higher education); 考 = 老 (old) + 丂, originally meaning to test or examine

含义

Gaokao; the National College Entrance Examination. China's crucial university admission test.

Short for 普通高等学校招生全国统一考试. Held in early June, it's the most important exam in Chinese students' lives, determining university admission. Involves intense preparation (备战高考), enormous pressure, and affects entire families. Terms: 高考状元 (top scorer), 高考移民 (relocating for easier exams), 高考作文 (Gaokao essay).

例句

1. 高考成绩公布的那天，他紧张得一夜没睡。
2. 为了备战高考，她整个高三几乎没有周末。
3. 高考制度改革一直是教育界讨论的热点话题。

用法指南

语境: education, society, news

语气: serious

正确说法

• 他今年参加高考。(He's taking the Gaokao this year.)
• 高考加油！(Good luck on the Gaokao!)

错误说法

• 在高考期间开玩笑 (Don't make light of 高考 to students or families — it's an extremely stressful and important event)

起源与历史

Abbreviation of 高等学校入学考试 (higher education entrance examination). 高 (higher) + 考 (exam) is the common shortened form.

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal